Prep boys volleyball: Tam off to a promising start this season

THE TAM HIGH boys volleyball team is in the early stages of a breakthrough season and it's thanks in large part to Yusuf Azam and Poy Khaophuan.

Azam, a junior, has sat behind some talented players in years past and now has been thrust into the role of leading man.

"He's always been behind other strong outside hitters," Tam coach Chris Glave said. "This year he gets to lead in that role and he's done well."

Azam found his way to volleyball through family ties.

"Volleyball as been in the family for a long time," Azam said. "I grew up watching my dad (Ayub) and my uncles play on the weekends. It was always something I was interested in."

And for Azam, the choice has proven to be a solid one.

"I am extremely happy that I made the choice to play," he said. "I can't imagine another sport that I would've had this much fun playing."

And for Khaophuan, volleyball's role in his athletic career has changed the past few years. In his freshman year he was looking for a sport to compliment him in soccer's offseason. Now those roles have reversed.

"Once I started (volleyball) it was fun. " Khaophuan said. "I kept working on my upper body more and more to complement my lack of upper body from soccer.

"Then, before you know it, I am doing soccer to complement my volleyball."

Khaophuan spent time playing for Absolute Volleyball in the offseason, but he keeps his time open for more wordily endeavors.

He is training with the Amigos de las Americas which will go to Panama over the summer to volunteer in the community.

"That is something I'm looking forward to and a proud of taking the initiative of doing," he said.

Glave applauds that same selfless attitude on the court.

"Poy is very quiet and soaks it all up," Glave said. "He's excited to do something to help."

Khaophuan and Azam are pieces of the rebuilding puzzle at Tam. They still need the support of players such as Owen Bisson and Blake Killingsworth.

Killingsworth runs the show and is the main man in charge of feeding players like Azam.

"(Killingsworth) never stops," Glave said. "Be it that it's a good pass or an off pass, he's battling to get that ball and place it where he can take advantage of the points."

At 3-1 in league play, Tam has already equalled its win total from last season (3-11). And the Red-tailed Hawks' win over a strong Marin Catholic team in Kentfield only fueled the fire.

"I'm amazed by the team's start," Khaophuan said. "It's definitely the best start in the whole three years that I have been playing."

"I believe we have a great chance of making the MCALs this season," Azam, who is also a team captain, added. "But only if we work hard and continue to improve.

"This year as a team that has been our goal; and we will continue to work hard to achieve it."